Shuqun sweep aside Anderson to emerge as U-13 boys volleyball champions

By Lai Jun Wei.

Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall, Sunday, November 30, 2008 – Shuqun Secondary brushed aside an off-form Anderson Secondary to win 3-0 (25-8, 25-14, 25-16) at the 2008 National U-13 Boys Junior Volleyball Championship final. With the girls team having fallen to Fairfield Methodist in the girls’ final, Shuqun hopes of a double win were dashed. But they can definitely take pride that they did not go home empty handed as the boys’ team emerged champions.

Missing from this year’s top four were traditional volleyball powerhouses St Hilda’s Secondary and South Zone champions Catholic High. Both teams had been knocked out earlier in the championship to leave Shuqun and Anderson to fight for the trophy.

Shuqun took the first point when Wisely’s (Anderson, #18) spike went into the net. Raishan Ali (Shuqun, #1) then took the next point when he employed a side spin to his spike, leaving Anderson unable to receive the ball. Shuqun quickly took a four-point lead, but Anderson took the next point, only to see their #12, Ping Huay serve into the net to allow Shuqun to begin their scoring streak again.

Anderson simply had no answer to Shuqun spikes as the latter simply breezed through to lead 18-5. They finished off the set 25-8 without much difficulty.

The second set seemed a closer fight with both teams tied at 6-6. But it was only a temporary stalemate as Shuqun quickly broke free and charged ahead to 11-6. Anderson still had trouble receiving Shuqun spikes as their defense simply crumbled.

Wisely (Anderson, #18) also could not put up many significant attacks, watching Shuqun reach set point after teammate Yikai (#17) spiked a ball out of bounds. Shuqun took the last point and the set when Yikai (Anderson, #17) clashed with his team mate #13 to return a ball and the ball went out of bounds instead.

Shuqun were by now all fired up and ready to take the third set. Anderson, on the other hand, were not contented with having to play second fiddle to Shuqun. With a crowd of supporters cheering them on, they struggled to put up some resistance, not allowing Shuqun to have an easy time.

Wisely (Anderson, #18) took the first point with his spike that saw Shuqun unable to receive. Shuqun was held off for a while as Anderson served a few strong balls and let loose a few well-placed spikes. The Anderson resistance might have rattled Shuqun’s nerves as several of their spikes went into the net.

It seemed like it would be a close match as both teams were tied for a moment. But it was not to be Anderson’s day as Shuqun pulled ahead, creating a 16-8 lead when Seng Leong (Anderson, #16) served out.

Anderson fought back and denied Shuqun any scoring chances for a brief period but Shuqun mustered up their strength in a last effort to win the game. Their efforts paid off as they reached game point after a failed backward drop shot attempt by Yikai (Anderson, #17) found the net.

All eyes were on Raishan Ali (Shuqun, #1) as he took up position for the final serve. As the ball sailed over the net, it went straight in the direction of Seng Leong (Anderson, #16). As he raised his hands in anticipation of the ball, he suddenly stepped aside for his team mate Ping Huay (#12), who was behind him, to receive. But alas, Ping Huay (Anderson, #12) was caught unprepared and slid down in an attempt to rescue the shot but the ball simply bounced off his hand and went out of bounds to give Shuqun the set and match.

Final score: 3-0 (25-8, 25-14, 25-16)

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!